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Balance or Control

Control. Would you like it if someone told you that you were controlling? I know I sure wouldn't. It would either hurt my feelings or make me angry...maybe, both. Being referred to as "controlling" is not like being called things like disciplined, organized, vivacious or in charge. Amy and I are embarking on a summer long adventure of learning about control and specifically, how to turn it over in regards to food. We think that we are in control by choosing to eat the ice cream straight out of the tub or devour a tray of lasagna, but at the end of the day, food is actually controlling us if we choose to eat without boundaries.

Control. Would you like it if someone told you that you were controlling? I know I sure wouldn't. It would either hurt my feelings or make me angry...maybe, both. Being referred to as "controlling" is not like being called things like disciplined, organized, vivacious or in charge. Amy and I are embarking on a summer long adventure of learning about control and specifically, how to turn it over in regards to food. We think that we are in control by choosing to eat the ice cream straight out of the tub or devour a tray of lasagna, but at the end of the day, food is actually controlling us if we choose to eat without boundaries.

I've written about the importance of balance before, and not moving too far out of line in any direction. It's about being intentional and focused and not losing sight of what is most important. As a side note, quite literally, I am not the most graceful or physically balanced individual. If you challenged me to arm wrestling...watch out! But, ask me to balance on one foot and I'm all over the place. This morning I woke up earlier than I can remember in years to go to a yoga class with an instructor I was told was VERY HARD. I love a challenge...getting there at 6:00 am was challenge enough! We were directed to balance our bodies in a pose called tree pose. One foot is rooted on the ground while the other is placed on the inside of the opposite upper thigh – then you bring your arms up like branches. I, on the other hand, was like a tree that was being chopped down by George Washington! I could not seem to stand on one foot without falling over! I was getting agitated and embarrassed simultaneously! I shut my eyes, focused and actually let go of my control and found myself in balance.

The same is true with my life. If I try to control my emotions, thoughts, anxieties, triumphs and fears with my food choices, I begin to walk a tight rope that I will eventually fall off of by teetering in one direction or another. Daily I must cast all those cares aside and realize that food will never fill the void. Food will not control my mood or my day. I have to choose to shut my eyes, focus, be intentional and find balance. I'm daily giving over my control to live life in freedom and balance. I'm excited about this summer adventure Amy and I are going to discuss and work through..

Blog written by Nancy Schuessler
Nancy's strong desires to live a healthy lifestyle and become a mother lead her on an extraordinary journey to reprogram her body...